Chapter 582

"Something's fishy about the accident," Cayden said quietly. "Our investigation points to an unemployed thug with no connection to the Farwell or Pearson residences. He appears to have no motive for targeting Ms. Jarvis or Ms. Pearson."

Lucian's expression darkened, though he'd already suspected as much. "Where is he now?"

"He's been moving around constantly, hitting different entertainment venues in the Southern District. He seems to be evading us," Cayden explained.

"Catch him," Lucian instructed, his brow furrowed. His mother had used the accident to pressure him into the engagement, a pressure he no longer intended to endure. He was determined to uncover the truth.

"I'll dispatch men immediately," Cayden replied swiftly.

Lucian hung up after giving further instructions. His instincts screamed that the accident was far from straightforward; the truth would only emerge after the perpetrator's capture.

He remained in his study for a while, composing himself, before ascending the stairs and knocking on Estella's door. Catalina answered.

"Mr. Farwell," she said.

Lucian glanced at his daughter, then told Catalina, "You may leave now."

Catalina departed, closing the door behind her. Lucian stood for a moment, then frowned at Estella's lack of reaction to his presence. He approached her bed.

"Are you upset because you're worried about Ms. Jarvis?" he asked, sitting beside her and gently poking her cheek.

Estella huffed and turned away. Lucian's attempts to get her attention failed.

"It's all Daddy's fault!" she thought. "Ms. Jarvis likes me, but she's avoiding me because she doesn't like Daddy! She won't even let me care for her now that she's hurt. I wonder how she is..." Her lips pursed, and her eyes welled up.

Lucian, unsure how to proceed, feared saying the wrong thing and causing a regression in Estella's progress. She'd only recently begun communicating normally, and he desperately wanted to avoid a relapse.

After a long silence, he sighed heavily. "Are you blaming me?"

Estella remained silent. A wave of helplessness washed over him. Estella, he realized, possessed her mother's stubbornness. Roxanne's distance was one thing, but his daughter's similar behavior was profoundly painful.

"Ms. Jarvis... is still hurt," Estella mumbled, her voice thick with unshed tears.

Lucian's helplessness shifted to heartache. "I know you're worried, but there's a misunderstanding between me and her. It won't be easily resolved. We need time."

Estella looked at him, confusion clouding her eyes. He wouldn't elaborate further. "I'll take care of it. Go to sleep. I'll take you to see Ms. Jarvis in two days."

Estella hesitated, then nodded obediently, choosing to trust her father.